Iran's Foreign Minister: France, Germany, and the UK’s Proposal is “Unjustified” and “Provocative”
20/11/2024 News
On the eve of the Board of Governors meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran's Foreign Minister stated that the proposal by France, Germany, and the UK to issue a resolution against the Islamic Republic at the meeting is "unjustified" and "provocative." On Wednesday morning, November 20, Abbas Araghchi, in a phone call with Jean-Noël Barrot, his French counterpart, said that this action would lead to "further complication of the issue." The IAEA Board of Governors meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, and according to Reuters, European powers are preparing to issue a resolution against Iran at the session. This proposal is reportedly supported by the United States. Background of the IAEA Meeting The meeting is being held amid ongoing tensions between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Western powers over Tehran's nuclear program. In this context, the three European countries (France, Germany, and the UK), with the support of the United States, are seeking to propose a resolution against Iran, seemingly as a reaction to Iran's limited cooperation with the agency. Iran’s Position Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, in his call with his French counterpart, described the proposed resolution as "provocative" and "unjustified." He warned that such an action would further complicate the situation. It seems that Araghchi is attempting to dissuade European countries from adopting a stricter stance by highlighting the potential consequences of such a resolution. Concerns of Europe and the U.S. Western powers believe that Iran has not fully adhered to its international obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and IAEA oversight. The agency's limited access to Iran’s nuclear facilities and recent advancements in uranium enrichment have heightened concerns about the potential militarization of Iran’s nuclear program. Outlook for the Meeting The Board of Governors meeting could lead to significant decisions regarding the future of the IAEA's interactions with Iran. Moreover, U.S. support for the proposed resolution underscores the growing international pressure on the Islamic Republic. Potential Implications If a resolution against Iran is adopted, it could pave the way for increased diplomatic and economic pressures on Tehran. In response, Iran might further limit its cooperation with the agency or even threaten to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), escalating tensions to new heights.
0
0